Tragic Drowning of 18-Year-Old Economics Student in Gqeberha

Lathitha Mhlathi, an 18-year-old first-year economics student at Nelson Mandela University, was found drowned in North End Lake, Gqeberha, on Tuesday. His mother, Portia Mhlathi, reported him missing after he failed to answer her calls on Saturday, which she described as unusual. The situation escalated when she learned from a witness that a body resembling her son had been discovered in the lake. The police confirmed that the cause of death was drowning.

Mother’s worst fear comes true: missing son found drowned in Gqeberha lake'We found my missing son dead in a lake,' says heartbroken Eastern Cape mom

Portia Mhlathi's ordeal began when she could not reach her son, prompting her to contact his roommate and later post on social media seeking information. As days passed without news, her anxiety grew. After gathering funds from neighbors to travel approximately 520 kilometers from Mthatha to Gqeberha, she arrived at the scene where her worst fears were confirmed. Her sister identified Lathitha's body, which had been partially affected by fish in the water.

Mother’s worst fear comes true: missing son found drowned in Gqeberha lake

Portia Mhlathi is a mother of three who has expressed profound grief over the loss of her son. She described Lathitha as a vibrant and eager student, excited about his studies and life. Her emotional struggle is compounded by financial difficulties, as she faces the burden of funeral costs without a stable income.

'We found my missing son dead in a lake,' says heartbroken Eastern Cape mom

Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, a police spokesperson, provided details about the discovery of Lathitha's body, stating that police received a report of a human body floating in the lake around 11:45 AM. The SAPS Divers Unit was involved in retrieving the body. Portia Mhlathi has publicly expressed her heartbreak, stating, “I can’t even explain how I feel... My child is dead.”

Mother’s worst fear comes true: missing son found drowned in Gqeberha lake

While the police have confirmed the cause of death as drowning, there are concerns within the community regarding safety in local water bodies. The circumstances surrounding Lathitha's death have sparked discussions about the need for better safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.

Mother’s worst fear comes true: missing son found drowned in Gqeberha lake

• “All I can say is it is very, very, very painful,” — Portia Mhlathi, Mother

'We found my missing son dead in a lake,' says heartbroken Eastern Cape mom

• “My child is dead.” — Portia Mhlathi, Mother

Mother’s worst fear comes true: missing son found drowned in Gqeberha lake

• “He was doing a diploma in economics.” — Portia Mhlathi, Mother

'We found my missing son dead in a lake,' says heartbroken Eastern Cape mom

Portia Mhlathi is currently seeking assistance from a funeral parlour to bring her son's body back to Mthatha for burial. The financial strain of the funeral arrangements adds to her grief as she navigates this tragic loss.

'We found my missing son dead in a lake,' says heartbroken Eastern Cape mom